Da Chai Wen Dan Tang

Da Chai Wen Dan Tang (大柴温胆汤) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula. The name suggests it is a combination or modification of two classic formulas—Da Chai Hu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction, 大柴胡汤) and Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction, 温胆汤). Both parent formulas are well-established in TCM for harmonizing the liver and gallbladder, clearing heat, transforming phlegm, regulating Qi, and supporting digestive and emotional health. While "Wen Dan Tang" is used for phlegm-heat disorders affecting the gallbladder and stomach with symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, digestive disturbances, and emotional imbalance[1][5][6][7], "Da Chai Hu Tang" addresses Shaoyang-Yangming syndromes with alternating chills/fever, chest fullness/pain/distention, constipation or diarrhea[3][10]. The combined formula would be expected to integrate these actions—clearing heat from both Shaoyang/Yangming channels while resolving phlegm-heat in the gallbladder/stomach system. It likely contains herbs from both parent formulas such as bupleurum root (Chai Hu), pinellia rhizome (Ban Xia), bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru), bitter orange (Zhi Shi), tangerine peel (Chen Pi), poria mushroom (Fu Ling), licorice root (Gan Cao), ginger root (Sheng Jiang), jujube fruit (Da Zao)[5][6]. Mechanistically in TCM theory it regulates Qi flow in liver/gallbladder/stomach pathways; transforms/dissolves phlegm; clears damp-heat; harmonizes digestion; calms shen/spirit. Modern research on related formulas shows possible effects on neurotransmitter regulation for mood/sleep support[9], anti-inflammatory activity[10], hepatoprotective effects[10], gastrointestinal motility modulation.

Brand names

Da Chai Wen Dan Tang

Other names

大柴温胆汤